Alternative Format for Printed Materials

Policy and Procedure

Bucknell University’s Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) engages in an interactive process with each student and reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature and functional limitations of a student’s documented disability, the student may be eligible for an alternative format for printed materials accommodation. To initiate the process and be provided with this accommodation the student must register with the OAR. Please review the Process for Requesting Accommodations and Documentation Requirements which can also be requested from the OAR.

Scanned text (NOTE: we may need to remove the binding from your book and provide your book back to you as spiral-bound)

Digital audio recorded by student readers hired by the OAR

Large print

Braille

Timeline

Once approved, the student will need to complete the Alternative Format Request Form each semester. To ensure that course materials are ready for the first day of classes, students must submit both forms 4 weeks before the semester begins. Requests are processed as they are received. Additional requests require 2 weeks notice once the semester begins.

In order to scan a book (if needed), we may need to remove the binding from your book. You will be notified if this is necessary and the book will be rebound at no additional coast. This process can take up to 2 weeks. Your book will be returned to you as soon as possible.

Students are required to notify the OAR as soon as possible if there are changes to the syllabus (reading materials added, deleted, or date changes), course add/drops, and if any materials are not formatted correctly or prove to be inaccessible.

Proof of Ownership

Publishers will share their digital files as long as they are confident that the student has purchased or rented a copy of the book. Therefore, students requesting books in alternative format must provide proof of ownership before files will be shared. Proof of ownership documents may be mailed, emailed or dropped off to Heather Fowler, 212 Carnegie Bldg., hf007@bucknell.edu. A photocopy of the receipt from a bookstore, amazon, or other vendor is required before the alternative text will be released.

Process and Student Responsibility

Student registers for classes and identifies required textbooks, in-class handouts, and any other required reading materials.

Student completes an Alternative Format Request Form that lists all text materials and the alternative format requested.

Student completes an Alternative Format Request From 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester to ensure accessible materials for the first day of class. While alternative format materials may be requested at any time, please note that requests will be processed on a first come first served basis and that last minute requests may not be available for the first day of classes. For Brailed materials, please meet with the OAR as soon as possible as some materials must be requested one semester in advance.

Student purchases or rents textbooks. Publishers require textbook purchases for each request. Receipt or proof of ownership is required.

The OAR is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations in a timely manner. Noncompliance on the part of the student with procedures stated above may result in major delays.

Notify the OAR immediately of changes to class schedule or if difficulty with the text files if any arise.

OAR Responsibility

Determine if the student’s request is an appropriate accommodation.

Provide access to the Alternative Format Request Form

Provide training and support as needed.

Verify proof of ownership.

Share guidelines with faculty to ensure compliance, and provide training and support as needed.

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